Movies

18 Hidden Gems All the K-Drama Fans on Reddit Swear By

18 Hidden Gems All the K-Drama Fans on Reddit Swear By
Image credit: Netflix, tvN, SBS, MBC, JTBC, KBS

This list? It's where the real K-drama gold's at, according to Reddit.

Here are 18 K-dramas that Reddit's K-drama fans are all over. Not your usual top-10 everyone's seen a million times but the ones tucked away, barely getting the spotlight they deserve.

1. Coffee Prince (2007)

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To convince his grandmother he's capable of running the family business, Choi Han-kyul hires Go Eun-chan, whom he thinks is a man, to pretend to be his gay lover, complicating matters as Han-kyul falls for her without knowing her true gender, leading to a heartwarming and comedic journey of self-discovery and love.

2. Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2017)

A mermaid from the Joseon era finds herself transplanted to modern-day Seoul, where she crosses paths with a genius swindler; their story intertwines with their past lives' tragic romance.

3. Sound of Your Heart (2016)

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This comedy series, based on a popular webtoon, follows the whimsical and often absurd life of cartoonist Cho Seok, his eccentric family, and his girlfriend Ae-bong, showcasing their daily misadventures and the humor in mundane life events.

4. Life (2018)

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At Sangkook University Hospital, an idealistic doctor and the hospital's new president clash over philosophical differences in the healthcare approach, leading to a deep examination of the values driving medicine, the corruption within, and the fight for patient care above profit.

5. Misaeng (2014)

Jang Geu-rae, a failed professional Go player, starts anew as an intern at a major trading company; without a typical educational background, he uses the life lessons from Go to tackle the challenges and discrimination in the corporate world, finding mentorship, friendship, and his path.

6. The Guest (2018)

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A psychic, a priest, and a detective form an unlikely alliance to solve a series of gruesome crimes connected to an old curse; their investigation delves deep into the supernatural and their personal traumas linked to a demonic presence known as "Sohn."

7. Hello My Twenties (Age of Youth) (2016)

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Five university students with contrasting personalities and backgrounds live together in a house called Belle Epoque, sharing their love lives, personal struggles, and the journey to adulthood, fostering deep friendships and unforgettable memories.

8. Arthdal Chronicles (2019)

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In the mythical land of Arth, the inhabitants of the ancient city of Arthdal and surrounding regions vie for power and control; Eun-seom, who struggles to bring his tribe back to life, crosses paths with Tanya, the successor of a spiritual tribe, amidst political intrigue, love, and the quest for the throne.

9. My Country: The New Age (2019)

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Set during the tumultuous period at the end of the Goryeo dynasty and the beginning of the Joseon dynasty, two friends become enemies following a misunderstanding, finding themselves on opposite sides of a power struggle, as they fight for their beliefs, loved ones, and the future of their country.

10. That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013)

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A con man, pretending to be the long-lost brother of a blind heiress, finds himself in a moral dilemma as he begins to develop genuine feelings for her, leading to a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.

11. A Korean Odyssey (2017-2018)

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A modern spin on the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," it follows Son Oh-gong, a powerful immortal being, and Jin Sun-mi, a woman who can see supernatural beings, as they encounter various spiritual entities, battling evil forces while dealing with their complex fate and romance.

12. Another Miss Oh (2016)

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Two women with the same name, Oh Hae-young, and a man with the ability to see the future, Park Do-kyung, become entangled in a strange twist of fate; Do-kyung's visions lead to a mix-up between the two women, unraveling a complex web of love and relationships.

13. The Crowned Clown (2019)

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In a dangerous palace coup, a king who fears for his life replaces himself with a lookalike clown; the clown, Ha Sun, navigates court life, falling for the queen and grappling with the moral implications of his deception and the political intrigue of the Joseon Dynasty.

14. Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019)

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Following an unprecedented attack on the National Assembly that kills the president and most of the cabinet, the Minister of Environment, Park Mu-jin, finds himself thrust into the presidency for 60 days, facing political chaos, personal dilemmas, and the quest to uncover the truth behind the attack.

15. Mad For Each Other (2021)

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Two neighbors, Noh Hwi-oh, a detective with anger issues, and Lee Min-kyung, a woman with her own eccentricities, find themselves repeatedly crossing paths; their initial antagonistic encounters gradually lead to understanding and healing as they deal with their personal traumas and secrets.

16. Prison Playbook (2017-2018)

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A star baseball pitcher's life is turned upside down when he is sentenced to prison after an unfortunate incident; inside, he must adapt to a new reality, making allies and enemies, while his friends and family navigate life on the outside, revealing the human side of inmates and their stories.

17. Move To Heaven (2021)

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Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger's syndrome, and his guardian Sang-gu, become trauma cleaners, clearing out the possessions of deceased people, uncovering untold stories of the departed, and conveying their final messages to loved ones, leading to personal growth and understanding of their own losses.

18. The Fiery Priest (2019)

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Kim Hae-il, a Catholic priest with a knack for martial arts, teams up with a detective and a prosecutor to solve a murder case; their investigation uncovers a larger conspiracy involving corruption and crime in the church and government.